2018 has not brought as many changes to Nantucket’s eateries as last year, but there are a few adjustments that may have caught the eye of the discerning island restaurant-goer. We have some intel to share on hot spots, changed locations, and a few new ventures that have popped up around the island. So here is the 411 on everything you need to know about the Nantucket restaurant scene this year.
Downtown Nantucket Restaurants
Lemon Press
41 Main Street, Nantucket, MA
@LemonPressNantucket
Perhaps the biggest news this year is the move of Lemon Press from their much smaller Centre Street location to the space formally housing Arno’s restaurant on Main Street. Lemon Press now has comfy seating and is open breakfast, lunch and dinner- with a full bar as well! The interior decor is beautiful, and the vibe is always positive. Their doors are open 7 days a week. Expect a line at peak times and even at off-peak times! They are great at accepting take-out orders over the phone, even if it’s for a Matcha Latté! Lemon Press has fresh juice and smoothies, toasts, wraps and espresso drinks. Their dinner menu looks just as healthy as their breakfast and lunch, including Street Corn and Lobster Arepa. Chef Ivan Cecena has really stepped up the game at 41 Main Street this year.
The Blue Cup
29 Center Street, Nantucket, MA
@TheBlueCupACK
The Blue Cup is Nantucket’s newest coffee and donut shop in Town. It is located in the former Lemon Press, at 29 Center Street in the Meeting House right in front of Centre Street Bistro. This bright and open shop has a new Simonelli espresso machine and donuts made daily. Some of their flavors include Vanilla Glazed, Boston Creme, Cookies-n-Cream, Powdered Plum and Chocolate Sprinkles. We can’t wait to try a spritzer – they currently have a mixed berry and pineapple basil available!
Bar Saltie
38 Main Street, Nantucket, MA
@BarSaltie @MetonMain
Now open 7 nights a week through Labor Day, Bar Saltie is a pop-up at MET on Main from Restaurateur Kathy Sidell’s popular seafood restaurant, Saltie Girl in Boston’s Back Bay. At Bar Saltie, Executive Chef Kyle McClelland and his team serve up “al fresco dining, refreshing cocktails and all-things hailing from the sea.” Our favorite aspect of this pop-up is that you can enjoy a full raw bar outside on their spacious patio out back. There are only so many outdoor dining options in Town, and with the warm nights we are having, it has been so nice to dine outside. The patio at MET is directly off Main Street away from street traffic and noise. Small and large plate options include Snow Crab Toast, Charred Octopus, Gloucester Lobster Roll and this one really peaked our interest – Fried Lobster and Waffles.
The Breeze Restaurant at the Nantucket Hotel
77 Easton Street, Nantucket, MA
@TheNantucket
The Breeze Restaurant at the Nantucket Hotel is a go-to for hotel guests. However, their special events are welcoming even if you happen to be staying elsewhere on island. The hotel is located close by Children’s Beach and it is pretty easy to find parking around the hotel. So join them this summer on Monday evenings for an old-fashioned New England Clambake. Almost everyone loves a clambake, but who enjoys all the time (and mess!) it takes to cook at home? This year they also have a new Beer Garden with live music on their front porch Monday-Saturday from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Or if you are in the mood for dinner with a side of dancing, rest assured they have continued their wildly popular Nantucket Supper Club from last year. Visit their website to find out about the remaining dates for the Supper Club and Clambake this season.
Petrichor Wine Bar
5 Chestnut Street, Nantucket, MA
@PetrichorWineBar
Located in the trendy new Hotel Pippa (the former Vanessa Noel Hotel), Petrichor Wine Bar serves over 50 wines by the glass. They have a cute outdoor patio as well as interior seating. They are open from 5pm to 1am daily and don’t take reservations but private parties and tastings can be arranged. Menu items include Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie, Castelvetrano Olives and Philadelphia Style Soft Pretzels. Visit their Instagram account to see what they have been popping recently!
New Restaurant Coming to Starlight in 2019
3 Union Street, Nantucket, MA
Gene Mahon recently announced the news that the Starlight Theatre will reopen as a restaurant and live music venue run by four islanders. They will also have the ability to show films and will continue to work with the Nantucket Film Festival. The Inquirer & Mirror reported that they plan on moving the permanent seating to allow for more flexibility in the space, but will keep the projector and screen. So who is behind this new venture? Mahon About Town says, “The four member team behind the project consists of Callie Kever, Caleb Cressman, Liam Mackey, and Clinton Terry. Clinton and Liam bring their restaurant expertise with them — both are co-owners of The Nautilus. Callie and Caleb have been producing live music events both privately and at the Almanack Arts Colony, the nonprofit where Callie is the acting Director.” We can’t wait to try their menu and have a new neighbor that is open year-round! They are slated to open in the spring and have signed a seven-year lease with Nantucket Island Resorts.
Nantucket Prime
29 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA
@Nantucket.Prime
This summer Nantucket Prime added pizza to their menu, but they are only serving it at certain times. Stop by their patio from 4:30-10:00 during the week or 4:30-midnight on weekends. They normally have 9 pizza flavors on rotation and 1 chef’s special pizza of the day. Try the Jetties (Tomato sauce, mozzarella, olive oil + basil), the Miacomet (Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, confit shallot, mozzarella + chili flakes) or the Centre Street (Pesto, assorted veggies, mozzarella, fresh ricotta + arugula). Last year they expanded their patio in front of the second building at the Jared Coffin House. On a nice sunny day or warm summer night, this is a popular spot in town.
Ice Cream Stand at Nantucket Candy Company
48 Center Street, Nantucket, MA
Did you know that ice cream and candy is included in the restaurant round-up? The Nantucket Candy Company has been selling ice cream off their porch for the past few years but you may have only noticed it recently with the new signs they have put up out front. Try their ice cream sundaes, shakes or their ice cream taco special.
Out of Town Nantucket Restaurants
The Surfside Taco Truck
160 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA
@SurfsideBeachShackACK
The Surfside Beach Shack that is famous for their cheeseburger with a view has opened a new Taco Truck! Found in the parking lot at Surfside Beach, they also have a new slogan, “we’re not just a burger joint anymore.” They are now open 7 nights a week, as long as stormy weather doesn’t shut them down! You will frequently find all the picnic tables full and a line beside the truck. But don’t let this deter you – the kitchen cooks fast, delicious street tacos and you can always bring your tacos to the beach! Their tacos include two flavors of your choice, but the portions are on the smaller side, so order 4 if you are very hungry. The shrimp and cod tacos are Fisher favorites, but we also can’t wait to try their lobster quesadillas. The truck and shack are planning on staying open from 4-8pm every day until Labor Day 2018.
167 Raw Nantucket
167 Hummock Pond Road, Nantucket, MA
@167_Raw
Back in May, 167 Raw opened their roadside food truck next to the fish market. Now in addition to getting their raw bar at Cisco Brewery Saturday through Tuesday from 12-7, you can eat at the “167” Market from 11-7. You can order Lobster Rolls, Fish Tacos, Tuna Burgers, Chips and Guacamole. Enjoy their delicious fresh dishes in their market garden, or take it to go- either on your way to or from the beach! Just don’t forget to take home a Key Lime Pie from inside the Market!
The Saltbox Tavern and Table
7 Macy’s Lane, Nantucket, MA
@ACKSaltBox
We’ve heard great things about this new locally owned restaurant across from the airport in the former AK Diamonds space. After renovations to the dining room and outdoor patio and bar, Tris and Genevieve Gauvin opened the Saltbox this past spring. Saltbox is family friendly spot away from the traffic and wait of restaurants downtown. They offer Buck-A-Shuck daily from 3-6pm. Take a peek at the Saltbox menu and photos of their food on their website. You won’t want to miss their build-your-own Mac and Cheese or Bacon Wrapped Scallops.
Sea Grille Restaurant Nantucket
45 Sparks Avenue, Nantucket, MA
This past winter the Sea Grille Restaurant did renovations to their dining room – primarily to the bar area. The bar menu has also changed, but the main menu at Sea Grille remains the same as it has for the past 27 years. So, stop by to check out the new additions, or to enjoy old favorites.
Keeper’s Restaurant
5 Amelia Drive, Nantucket, MA
@Keepers_Restaurant
After a very busy first winter and spring season, Keeper’s added an outdoor patio and bar that has been another popular option this summer. Here you can enjoy salmon, steak, shrimp tacos and more, all away from the hustle and bustle of town. Don’t forget to dig into their delicious parings along with your main. Order a side of crispy broccoli for a creative take on the classic vegetable- with a kick. Then top the meal off with colorful ice cream sandwiches adorned with sprinkles and Oreos.
SLIK Bar at Island Kitchen
1 Chin’s Way, Nantucket, MA
@IKNantucket
This past winter, Island Kitchen opened the upstairs of the ice cream shop as a fun, new bar. Best yet? You can order dinner from the restaurant and they will bring it over to you. SLIK stands for “Spirit Lounge Island Kitchen” and serves the full menu as well as small bites menu from 7pm to 1 am at #IKupstairs. We are big fans of everything Island Kitchen does, from their catering to their brunch. If you’re looking for a spot to hang at before heading to the Chicken Box, take the stairs up to SLIK and try and tasty cocktail mixed with some fresh beats.
Wicked Island Bakery
147 Orange Street, Nantucket, MA
@WickedIslandBakery
Owners Ben and Heather Woodbury recently purchased a new permanent home at 7B Bayberry Court, currently occupied by Cowboy’s, which will be closing at the end of the year. Wicked Island will stay at 147 Orange Street until the end of the year. You heard us right, Wicked Island Bakery is planning a big move in the new year! We can’t wait for them to have a larger kitchen, because you know that means… more Morning Buns! Wicked says, “We are hoping with the new storage and refrigeration and freezer space, we will be able to hold more of the scratch made doughs. Currently we are not able to back up enough and we run out. However, customers can always preorder pastries a day in advance.”